News
A new chapter for Rainbow Leisure Centre as Places Leisure takes the reins from 1 October
We are pleased to confirm that Places Leisure will take over the operation of the Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom from 1 October. This follows the Council’s announcement in July appointing Places Leisure as the new operator on a 10-year contract, with the option to extend for a further five years.
This exciting new chapter for the Rainbow Leisure Centre will see members continuing to benefit from high-quality leisure, health and wellbeing services. Places Leisure, part of the PfP Group, will be investing its own capital into the leisure centre, upgrading the gym, studios, swimming changing rooms and more.
This marks an exciting new chapter for the Rainbow Leisure Centre, with members set to continue enjoying high-quality leisure, health and wellbeing services.
From 1 October, existing members or anybody looking for a new membership should contact enquiries@pfpleisure.org. More information can be found on their website - Rainbow Leisure Centre FAQ's | Places Leisure.
Places Leisure has been working closely with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the outgoing operator, GLL. to ensure an efficient and safe handover,
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee said:
“The wellbeing of our community is at the heart of everything we do, and our Health and Wellbeing Strategy continues to shape how we support residents to live healthier, happier lives. We’re proud to be entering a new era at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, one that embraces a holistic approach to health and fitness, and delivers an inclusive Active Communities programme, alongside activities delivered both at the centre and outside in the wider community.
“Places Leisure is providing a platform where everyone in our borough can thrive – opening up opportunities for residents of all ages, including young people, the elderly and those living with a disability or illness, wherever they may be on their wellbeing journey.
“I’d like to thank Places Leisure and Greenwich Leisure Limited for working together to ensure a smooth transition for members. I’d also like to extend our gratitude to Greenwich Leisure Limited for the positive legacy they leave behind, which we are proud to build upon.”
Places Leisure website - https://www.placesleisure.org/
Epsom & Ewell Business Awards 2025 are now open!
#EEBA2025
The Epsom & Ewell Business Awards celebrate the fantastic local businesses in Epsom & Ewell, with awards for the best small or independent business, retail business, pub, restaurant, business for customer service, commitment to the community, business for health and wellbeing, property and construction, best business for professional services and most sustainable or ‘green’ business.
- Nominations close at 11:59pm Wednesday 31 December 2025.
- Winners will be announced in March 2026.
We're running the awards in association with What's On In Epsom. Alongside the council, other sponsors are Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom Square, TWM Solicitors, North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Family Building Society, Go Epsom, Amber Group, AtkinsRéalis, Peacock & Co, University for the Creative Arts, and We Built Your Website Ltd.
Do you know of a local business that stands out? Why not nominate them today! Epsom & Ewell Business Awards - Epsom & Ewell Business Awards
Best of luck to all nominees.
Garden waste disruption
Due to staff sickness, we have been unable to collect some garden waste routes recently.
We'd like to apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. Our crews will return on your next collection date and collect any excess accrued in that time.
Please leave any excess in black sacks next to your garden waste bin.
Dementia Support
September is Dementia Awareness Month and, to mark this, we are informing residents about the services we offer to help you or a loved one that is living with dementia.
Home Improvement Agency
Firstly, our Home Improvement Agency (HIA) can assist residents in accessing dementia support funding for modifications and equipment such as:
- Labels and signs on doors and cupboards
- Task focussed lighting on bathrooms and kitchens
- Assistive technology, e.g. to provide reminders and to monitor activity
- Safer flooring
- Decoration to improve contrast between walls and floors
- Coloured fixtures to create a contrast for items like toilet seats and grab rails
Contact the HIA today to find out if you’re eligible by emailing
HIA@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or calling 01372 732000.
For more information on the service, please visit our website.
Dementia Hub
We also offer respite care via our Dementia Hub.
Our specialist team run a programme of daily activities and therapies, helping clients develop skills which improve their quality of life.
The programme of activities at the Dementia Hub helps daycare clients grow confidence, build muscle strength, and encourages social interaction which helps combat feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Full and half day sessions are available for people aged 50+ living with memory loss, dementia, confusion due to medical conditions such as a stroke, conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, and more.
The team will support the management of incontinence and administration of medication.
To book a free assessment and find out about additional support, please visit our website.
Step into Epsom & Ewell - virtually! Two new day trips now available
We've launched two new inclusive virtual tours in partnership with Whistlestop Tours, as part of the council's Virtual Day Trips series. The new virtual tours take you around Epsom and Ewell, shining a spotlight on the history and cultural heritage of the two places. You can watch for free online - at home, in classrooms, or community spaces.
The tours include film and audio. Immersive resource packs and memory boxes, designed to bring the tours to life, are also available.
The Epsom and Ewell Virtual Day Trips were funded by the Arts, Culture and Heritage UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation for 2024/25. The tours run alongside the Nonsuch Formal Gardens tour produced in 2024.
This project is part of the council’s strategy to widen access to the rich heritage of histories within our borough, allowing people to engage with the information and activities in a way that is comfortable to them.
The tours last for around 30 minutes. Highlights include:
- architectural elements from Nonsuch Palace that can be found by the Assembly Rooms in Epsom town centre
- meeting residents and hearing about their passions, from throwing pottery to playing the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine
- taking a rare peek inside the Watch House on Ewell High Street
- hearing ghost stories from residents, and
- enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour from the Epsom Beekeepers Association.
Speaking of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Virtual Day Trips, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said:
“I have lived in the borough of Epsom & Ewell for many years, and I found these tours
completely fascinating. I thoroughly recommend them, whether you are new to the borough, a long-time resident like me, or someone who is interested in the local area – they can be enjoyed by everyone.
These two new inclusive Virtual Day Trips show our commitment to increasing access to our borough’s rich history and cultural heritage. They will help people really get to know our fantastic local area".
Other virtual tours in the borough
Digital tours are also available for Horton Country Park and Nonsuch Park on Bloomberg Connects. Take a look below:
Have your say on new parish councils in Epsom & Ewell
The consultation closes on 9 October - make sure you have your say.
We're asking if Epsom & Ewell should have parish councils, giving residents a stronger local voice in the future - let us know what you think by completing our Community Governance Review consultation by 11.59pm on 9 October 2025.
In April 2027, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and 11 district and borough councils in Surrey will be replaced by two or three unitary councils as part of local government reorganisation. This is the biggest change in local government in fifty years.
Currently, Epsom & Ewell has no parish councils which means there is no lower tier of local government below that of the borough council. We are asking residents:
- whether to set up new parish councils
- how many councillors these councils should have
- what the councils should be called
- how they should be organised.
We will use the consultation responses to inform the next stage of the CGR.
How to respond to the consultation
Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Standards and Constitution Committee, said
“We believe that parish councils would provide an essential link between Epsom & Ewell residents and a new unitary council, which will be responsible for a much larger area in Surrey; ensuring that resident and community voices in Epsom & Ewell are heard and considered by decision-makers in local government in the future.
“Historically, Epsom & Ewell has had a strong local voice, with more than ninety years of continuous service on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council by the elected Residents’ Association majority group.
“We want to ensure that the interests of our residents and local communities have a platform, and that our vital local voice is not lost for future generations.”
More information: Community Governance Review | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Local government reorganisation in Surrey
Residents across Surrey are being urged to take part in a landmark Government consultation that will help determine the future shape of local government in the county.
In August, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council responded to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey, in support of the proposal for three unitary councils - East, North, and West Surrey.
Our response highlighted evidence within the proposal, which was supported by nine district and borough councils including Epsom & Ewell, which demonstrated how this structure would reflect how people live, work, and access services across the county.
The proposal also outlines how three unitary councils formed around existing local economies would set the stage for future growth in the county, providing a strong foundation for governance that keeps decision-making closer to residents.
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:
“Since the LGR consultation began, we’ve been informing residents and stakeholders in Epsom & Ewell that we support the proposal for there to be three unitary councils in Surrey and encouraging them to have their say.
“I’ve spoken to residents at a number of community events about how local government is changing. I’ve heard that people care deeply about their communities and local areas. They want to know their voice will continue to be heard after the changes to local government take place in 2027. This echoes what we found earlier in the year when, as part of the work to develop our proposal, we asked residents to tell us what is most important to them about local government reorganisation.”
This spring, district and borough councils carried out resident engagement to ask people across Surrey how many unitary councils they would prefer, and what their top priorities were in making that decision. A majority - 63% of respondents - said they support the creation of three new unitary authorities. Residents cited understanding of local issues and local decision-making as their top priorities when considering how many new councils Surrey should have.
Councillor Hannah Dalton continued:
“We eagerly await the government’s decision on our proposal for LGR, which we expect to receive in October. We believe that the three unitary model can offer residents the most coherent and future ready solution to the challenges and opportunities that local government reorganisation in Surrey presents.
“Whatever the outcome, I know that we will work with our partners to build a future local government structure that is resilient, delivers quality services and creates opportunity for residents across the county, both now and for generations to come.”
We expect to hear a decision from government in the autumn. Keep up-to-date with how local government is changing here: Surrey Local Government Reorganisation Hub – Surrey LGR Hub
Court Recreation Grounds works until 6 Oct
Improvements are being made to the football pitch in the Court Recreation Grounds, works will take place until 6 October.
Work is currently underway to prepare the pitch and install a new 3G surface in place of the current astroturf - unfortunately this may cause a little disruption:
- Some car parking spaces will be sealed off.
- The disabled car parking space next to the NEAT HQ will be another space nearby.
- The gym next to the tennis courts will be closed.
Thanks for your patience during this time and sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Time to cash in your Child Trust Fund
Many young people aged 18–23 may have forgotten they have savings in a Child Trust Fund account. These accounts were set up by the government for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with an initial deposit made into each account. The funds become available when the individual turns 18, and the average amount claimed is around £2,200 - yet hundreds of thousands of accounts remain unclaimed.
HMRC is encouraging young people to check if they have a CTF and claim their money. They don’t need to pay someone to do it, they can easily find their provider for free on Child Trust Fund: Find a Child Trust Fund - GOV.UK
Help to stop smoking this Stoptober.
Stoptober is here again and we want to encourage the remaining 70,000 smokers in Surrey to quit for good.
The No.1 quit smoking app Smoke Free is now available with free pro features for Surrey residents. It offers:
- Free 24/7 support with qualified advisors
- Free nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gums, lozenges and vapes posted to your door.
- Free access to the pro features of the app including daily missions, live health improvement milestones and a craving analysis to log cravings and identify triggers.
Over 200 Surrey residents have downloaded the app since April – why not join them?
Big Community Switch – to 100% renewable electricity with potential cost benefits
The Big Community Switch is a scheme designed to help people secure better deals on energy - you can switch to 100% renewable electricity and possibly save money on your energy bills by changing energy suppliers.
This scheme brings our community together to get better prices with 100% renewable energy suppliers. When enough people register, savings can be secured that might not be available to individuals alone. By registering, you can potentially save money and enjoy lower energy prices. Registering to receive an offer from a vetted provider is straightforward, and there’s no obligation to switch.
Deadline for registrations is 31 October 2025.
Register today at https://bigcommunityswitch.co.uk/
Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
We're recruiting.
Our small but ambitious authority offers you the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of varied and interesting work. That, together with an enviable array of staff benefits and a rewarding and challenging career, is our unique offer to you.
If you have the passion and the drive to make a real difference, we really want to hear from you. View a list of all current vacancies at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.
Our latest vacancies include:
As Food & Beverage Manager, you’ll be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of our bar service, ensuring high standards of customer experience and operational efficiency. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our food and drink offering, including:
- Designing and implementing new menu options tailored to our audience.
- Identifying and developing new revenue streams.
- Managing stock, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory.
- Ensuring compliance with licensing laws and food hygiene regulations.
- Leading by example with a hands-on approach
Find out more about the role here: Food & Beverage Manager
At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, we are passionate about maintaining an inclusive workplace for all that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of our community particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with hidden or visible disabilities.
We are committed to ensuring all our staff – regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity or disability – can thrive and succeed whilst working with us.
What's On
What's on in Epsom & Ewell
Find out what's happening in Epsom & Ewell
Find out what's happening in Epsom & Ewell in the coming months; take a look at the events page on the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council website.
Here are a few highlights:
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and craftsmanship at the Artisan Market! This event showcases the talents of local artisans who specialise in a variety of mediums such as woodwork, homemade conserves, textile arts, and more. Wander through the vibrant stalls and meet the artists behind the beautiful handcrafted goods on display, there is something for everyone at the Artisan Market. While you are there why not grab a hot drink and food in our Flying Saucer café or visit the museum or library.
Saturday 4 October
10am to 2pm
Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF
Not a whizz with a quiz? Don't worry the highly entertaining quiz master pitches the night for all to enjoy. Gather your team of six and book online. Alternatively, book your single ticket and Age Concern will organise a team for you. A free drink and slices of pizza are all included with the ticket price. A great night not to be missed - we hope you can join us. This is a fundraising event in aid of Age Concern
Saturday 18 October
7pm to 11pm
£15 per person
The Epsom Town Social Club, 39 Church Street, Epsom, KT17 4PW
Established in 1992, Epsom Antiques and Collectors Fair is one of the longest running antique fairs in the UK calendar. The event will feature with more than 60 stands. Facilities for disabled access, and free parking that can accommodate 1,000 vehicles in car park 23.There is plenty of indoor seating and an on-site food truck for refreshments. Visit www.epsomantiquesandcollectorsfair.co.uk
Tuesday 21 October
9am to 3pm
£3
Oak Hall, Epsom Racecourse, Tattenham Corner Road, Epsom, KT18 5LQ
Get ready for giggles, gasps, and ghoulish fun at our Halloween-themed magic show starring Ritchie Rosson! Perfect for kids and families, this fun performance includes: surprising magic tricks, balloon modelling that will wow and delight, catchy music and interactive a fun, spooky Halloween twist to keep things thrilling!
Friday 31 October
11am to 3.45pm
£6 per child
Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF
Epsom Playhouse
See what's on at Epsom Playhouse
Markets in Epsom & Ewell
Epsom Markets
Regular markets in Epsom Marketplace take place on Thursday and Saturday.
For information on the weekly markets at Epsom Marketplace take a look here: Epsom & Ewell markets
Artisan Market - Bourne Hall
This market usually takes place on the first Saturday of the month, the next market is scheduled for Saturday 4 October 2025.
10am - 2pm.
Farmer's Market - Epsom Marketplace
This market usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month, the next market is scheduled for Sunday 5 October 2025.
9.30am - 1.30pm.
Find out more at www.surreymarkets.co.uk/event/epsom-market
Explore Epsom and Ewell
Get closer to nature and enjoy the outdoors with our various guided walks. Explore local nature reserves, discover your borough's history and boost your health and wellbeing too.
Visit the walks page on our website to discover a range of walks that take place across Epsom and Ewell.
Epsom & Ewell also has several beautiful open spaces which are great for cycling, including Epsom Downs, Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, Nonsuch Park, Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve, and Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. You can find cycling routes for all these places on our website.
ECA supports the preservation and protection of Epsom Common local nature reserve and site of special scientific interest. ECA works in partnership with the Council, the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project and English Nature to contribute to the long term management and conservation of the Common.
Nature walks
ECA organises a number of walks on the Common each year which are led by local natural history experts. The subjects that are usually covered each year include birds in early spring, wildflowers, butterflies, invertebrates particularly bush crickets, bats and fungi.
The EcoVols
If you care about the Common and enjoy its wildlife and beauty why not join the EcoVols, the volunteer group of the ECA. EcoVols carry out a variety of conservation projects on the Common throughout the year in association with English Nature, the Council and the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project. You don’t need any special skills or experience just your enthusiasm and time! For more info and the 2020 EcoVols programme see: Conservation on Epsom Common
Your Council
October council meetings
The following meetings of the Council will be held in October
The agendas, reports and details on how to view the council meetings are published seven days before the relevant meeting on the website links above.
Meeting dates are subject to change. When looking for details of a particular meeting, please contact the relevant officer to confirm that the meeting is going ahead as scheduled.
The calendar of Council meetings can be found here: democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/Calendar
You can subscribe to updates in order to receive information via e-mail regarding arrangements for particular committee meetings.
Local Plan Examination Hearings - October 2025
The examination hearings for the Local Plan are taking place at Epsom Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5BY and can be attended by interested members of the public who wish to observe proceedings.
The hearing sessions will be held on the following days:
Stage 2 – Soundness
- Wednesday 01 October 2025, 9.30am
- Thursday 02 October 2025, 9.30am
- Friday 03 October 2025,10am
- Tuesday 07 October 2025, 9.30am
- Wednesday 08 October 2025, 9.30am
- Thursday 09 October 2025, 9.30am
- Friday 10 October 2025, 9.30am
For more information, please visit our website - Local Plan Examination | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Community notice boards
There are community notice boards, known as Borough Boards, in various locations across Epsom & Ewell. The Boards are for local community use and form a vital information point for those who are not online. They are used for timely information and events; they are not used to advertise businesses.
Submitting a poster
If you have a poster you would like placing on the boards, please email communications@epsom-ewell.gov.uk with an electronic copy of the poster, so the team can double check it is appropriate for the boards. Once the team have confirmed the poster is suitable, please print and deliver 25 posters (one for each board) into the postbox outside the main entrance at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Town Hall, clearly marked ‘Borough Boards’, or ask your Ward Councillor to do so on your behalf.
Please submit your posters as far in advance as possible, to allow plenty of time for posters to be checked and put up on the boards.
Content rules
Posters should advertise timely local information and events. The following will not be accepted:
- Overt advertising of businesses or services
- Any discriminatory language or suggestions, including hate speech and profanities in the text or via images
- Promoting a religious cause only, with no event or activity taking place
- Any political inferences.
Poster content should be easy for everyone to read and respond to. All posters must:
- Be a maximum of A4 in size
- Consider accessibility - they should be easy to read, in colours that are contrasting and not using fonts that may be tricky for those with visual impairments to read
- Posters should include a working phone number wherever possible. A poster that only points to a website / email for more information will not serve those members of the community who are not online.
We reserve the right to select which posters can be featured.
We will insert posters that meet the content rules above on a first submitted, first served basis, until all the spaces are allocated, and to remove any that are out of date in a timely manner.